Welcome to our practice! Our goal is to provide the very best orthodontic care for you.

The following information has been provided to explain orthodontics to you and to introduce you to our practice.


What do you think of us! Our practice aim is to make your orthodontic treatment and our working environment efficient, effective and friendly as practicable while delivering the very best orthodontic care. If you have any comments or suggestions (both positive and negative) of the practice, or this practice brochure, please let us know. If you enjoy the treatment you get whilst at our practice please let your friends know.

What is Orthodontic Treatment?

Most people are unsure of what orthodontic treatment involves. The aim of orthodontic treatment is to produce straight teeth and a nice smile with healthy muscles and joints, within the confines of acceptable facial appearance. We firmly believe that in order to achieve a great result at the end of treatment patients, parents and the practice must work together as a team. Good communication and understanding are essential.
While for most conditions there is an optimal age for treatment, orthodontics can, in fact, be undertaken at almost any age. Many conditions are most effectively treated while the patient is growing. The positive effects of growth can be harnessed and the negative effects controlled.

What Are The Benefits Of Orthodontic Treatment?

The obvious benefit of orthodontic treatment is improved appearance of the face, mouth and teeth, which results in increased confidence in many individuals. Teeth that protrude are more likely to be injured, so in these patients the risk of damage is reduced. In addition, teeth that meet together well aid the health of the jaw joints and muscles and straight teeth are easier to keep clean.

What Is The Ideal Age For Treatment?

In many cases, orthodontic treatment is best done after the development of the adult teeth (10-14 years old). However, we like to see children when they are around 7-8 years old. There are a couple of main reasons for this:

1. Certain problems are best sorted out at this stage. For example; very prominent teeth can lead to teasing at school and the teeth are more likely to be damaged during sport and play. We can use an appliance at this young age to harness any available growth to improve the facial appearance.

2. Other problems that are best treated early include children who have some of the upper teeth trapped inside the lower teeth (at the back or front of the mouth), and those with very mild irregularities of the teeth. Intervention at an early age will almost certainly make any later treatment easier and more successful. In a small proportion of cases, it may eliminate the need for future treatment entirely.

3. At 8 years of age, it is possible to predict, with a reasonable degree of precision, the future orthodontic needs of an individual. This does give time to prepare financially for treatment.

Who Does Orthodontic Treatment?

Many family dentists develop an interest in orthodontics and carry out some of the treatment their patients require. A small number of dentists decide to undergo a formal postgraduate training programme and obtain further qualifications specifically in orthodontics. These dentists are then known as Orthodontists.

How Do I Know If Treatment Is Needed?

Ask your family dentist. If your family dentist is unsure, see an Orthodontist for an opinion. With their extended training, they are in an excellent position to inform you of whether treatment is needed and of what is possible.

Have I Left It Too Late?

Orthodontic treatment is possible in adulthood. In fact, as long as the supporting bones and gums are healthy the teeth can be moved with little risk of damage.
Certain types of problems cannot be fully corrected in the absence of childhood growth; however, there are always options. Compromise treatment can result in a marked improvement. Rarely we may suggest a combination of orthodontic treatment and surgery, if full correction to an ideal bite is to be achieved. Tooth coloured braces, invisible aligners (InVisalign), and braces behind the teeth (lingual braces) have made orthodontic treatment acceptable to an ever- increasing number of adults.

What Does Treatment Cost?

Orthodontic treatment is an investment for a lifetime. At your first appointment, the orthodontist can give you an estimate of the cost of treatment. If you are a member of a Private Health Fund, it may be desirable to contact them and be informed of your level of benefit.
When you proceed with treatment, we will provide you with the necessary form for your health fund.

What do I do if I have a problem during treatment?

If you have a problem at any time please telephone the practice. If the practice is unattended a phone number will be provided that you can contact. Many problems can be overcome by over-the-phone advice saving you a trip to the practice. If we cannot solve a problem this way we will organise to have you seen to as soon as practicable. Please remember that we are a small practice and as such, when staff members are on holidays it may be that another orthodontist will look after your problem.